Oakland boy facing murder in shop owner's death

OAKLAND

Published 4:00 am, Saturday, June 4, 2011

(06-04) 12:01 PDT OAKLAND -- A 14-year-old boy has been charged with murder and robbery for allegedly causing an Oakland store owner to die of a heart attack after a violent confrontation over two bottles of vodka, authorities said.

The defendant, whose name was not released because of his age, is being held at Alameda County Juvenile Hall for the death of Dong Suk Kang, 57, owner of Oak Knoll Market at 7980 Mountain Blvd. Kang, who lived in San Bruno, died of an apparent heart attack after he chased the juvenile outside his store, said Allison Danzig, a senior deputy district attorney.

The teenager, a freshman at Youth Empowerment School, was charged as a juvenile. He faces murder and robbery charges under the theory that although he may not have intended for Kang to die, he is legally responsible because the victim died during the course of a violent crime, Danzig said.

On Tuesday, the boy came into the store with two teenage girls and was immediately recognized by Kang, who had previously banned him from the business for disturbances such as knocking over display cases and yelling at employees, authorities said.

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The boy took two bottles of vodka and was confronted by Kang, Danzig said. The boy pushed and shoved the store owner and punched him in the face before fleeing, authorities said.

Kang got into his Toyota to follow the teenager but apparently suffered a heart attack while behind the wheel, authorities said. His car swerved to a stop several blocks away. Investigators believe the heart attack was triggered by anxiety that the confrontation caused, authorities said.

Kang's wife of two years, In Cha Ho, 60, was back at work at the store Saturday, the same day as her husband's funeral. Ho said she sees Kang's clothes and belongings at home and feels "crazy," prompting her to stay busy by running the business.